Tooth Implant an Alternative to Failed Implant Supported Prosthesis in a Smoker

Chronic smoking can lead to failure of Osseo integration due to decrease in local blood flow and failure of cell proliferation by by-products of smoking. This along with immediate failure of a malpositioned implant, devitalization of adjacent tooth necessitating a call for endodontic treatment or the fracture of the adjacent tooth due to malpositioned implant, fracture of the prosthesis due to incomplete seating and occlusal discrepancies have a tremendous impact on the psyche of the patient. Some of them show reluctance to functional rehabilitation with implant supported prosthesis posing a tough challenge to the restorative dentist. A good alternative in such cases would be to save some of the natural teeth and place a precision stud attachment in the canal of selected teeth, which will act like a tooth implant, providing retention and stability similar to implant supported prosthesis.